The Regional Director for Youth stated today that the LABJOVEM competition - Young Creators of the Azores "has greatly contributed to the diversity of the creative and cultural sector."

Speaking at the presentation of the fifth edition of LABJOVEM Competition, Pilar Damião stressed that this programme "is another a tool to enhance the development creative economy in the region."

Hence, the Regional Director assured that "the emphasis on creativity and human capital is a priority for the Government of the Azores which, in turn, intends to develop a modern and competitive economy."

"Such a creative economy, in addition to being interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral, challenges the entrepreneurial, innovative, critical and reflective spirit of Azorean youth," added the government official.

"By promoting various forms of creativity, throughout LABJOVEM competition - Young Creators of the Azores, we will be optimising resources, efforts and adopting the best practices for the economic recovery and viability of creativity," said Pilar Damião.

The LABJOVEM competition is targeted at young people up to 35 years. Projects can be submitted in the areas of Architecture, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Photography, Illustration and Comics, Literature, Video and Music.

This year, for the first time, the area of Ceramic Design will be included in this competition.

The application period for of the 5th LABJOVEM Competition runs until November 30. All those who are interested may submit their application at the address http://www.labjovem.pt email address.

The projects selected in the competition will be displayed in the Azores under the Regional Exhibition.

The LABJOVEM competition - Young Creators of the Azores is a project developed the Regional Government, through the Regional Directorate for Youth in partnership with "Burra de Milho" Association, which aims to encourage and promote young artists from different artistic areas, serving as a platform for a new generation of Azorean artists.